The Ryder cup is a three day series of matches in which the world’s best golfers from Europe face the world’s best golfers from the United States of America. The tournament happens once every two years and alternates locations between Europe and America. This year’s Ryder Cup took place at Bethpage Black, a golf course in Long Island, New York.
Both the U.S. and Europe came to this year’s Ryder cup with star studded rosters.The United States had on their roster world ranked number one Scottie Scheffler, and other famous players such as Bryson Dechambeau and Justin Thomas. Europe didn’t necessarily have a team of novices either; they had players such as a recent grand slam winner Rory McIlroy, and big hitter Jon Rahm. Judging by the rosters alone, it was safe to say it would be a weekend of excitement for sports fans around the world.
The weekend started before the sun rose on Friday morning when US captain Keegan Bradley came onto the first tee box to pump up the American crowd. At 7:10 am E.T., the first groups went off in two versus two alternate shot formats. The morning appeared to be a sea of European blue. Match after match, the strong American team fell hard and quick, as the morning ended with Europe leading three to one. The Europeans dominated once again in the Friday afternoon best ball foursomes, ending Friday night with a strong five and a half to two and a half lead going into the second day.
Saturday morning was a chance for the Americans to start fresh and take a few matches. Still, as the trend had already shown, the Americans appeared to be sleeping once again with the Europeans taking a full three points of four available. The Europeans now had a more than comfortable lead going into the afternoon sitting at a lead of eight and a half to three and a half.
Once again, the afternoon was not the Americans’ best performance. As the afternoon went on, the frustrated American crowd became a bit out of hand, screaming obscenities and insults at European players, something completely unknown to the world of golf.
The Europeans went into the final day leading twelve and half to six and half. For them, the Sunday singles seemed to be a cakewalk, as they needed only one and half points to take the Ryder cup home across the Atlantic. But, with a sudden shift like nobody had seen all week, the Americans began to rally. Cameron Young won the first match, followed by Justin Thomas, then Scottie Scheffler.
For a moment, it appeared that it may be possible for the Americans to complete a comeback that had once felt impossible. But, that glimmer of hope came to an end as Shane Lowry of Ireland made a seven foot putt for birdie and to win the match and the Ryder Cup.
Though the home team of Americans came up short, the final day was something for any sports fan to admire; the Ryder cup is an event like no other.